Prime Power Generators: Everything You Need to Know

December 23, 2024 | Nate Cord

 

In this guide, we’ll share all you need to know about prime power generators, including what they are, how they work, their benefits, and what to consider when choosing one.

What is a Prime Power Generator?

A prime power generator is a heavy-duty generator designed to provide continuous power, for an unlimited amount of time, at specified operating conditions. These generators are ideal for remote locations, construction sites, mining sites, industrial facilities, off-grid homes and businesses, events, festivals, and other scenarios where connection to the main power grid is difficult or unavailable, but nonstop reliable power is required.

Most prime power generators have a base fuel tank for short run times of around 6-10 hours, so an external fuel tank is required to run the generator for longer. These tanks range from 500 to upwards of 20,000 litres, depending on how long you wish to run the generator for.

As touched on above, ISO-8528-1 mandates that prime power generators reference agreed operating conditions. This means that the 24-hour average load factor is limited, with maintenance intervals carried out in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Due to the continuous fuel combustion in the engine, prime power generators produce a large amount of heat. For this reason, a prime power generator tends to have a large cooling system, which circulates cool water in a cover around the engine, to prevent high temperatures, overheating and generator failure.

How Long Can a Prime Generator Run?

ISO-8528-1 states that the 24-hour average load factor is limited to 70% of the nameplate PRP rating. This means that, for every hour you spend at 100%, you should spend an hour at 40%, to give you an average figure of 70%. The load should also be variable, meaning that it goes up and down, rather than remains fixed. Not using a generator in line with these conditions can lead to lower generator life, invalid warranties and, in some instances, terminal failure.

If you don’t need to supply power for an unlimited number of hours or have a fixed load profile, you might wish to consider an alternative generator, such as a backup generator, standby generator, limited-time-power generator, or even a portable generator or portable power station for low-demand applications.

What Is the Difference Between Prime and Standby Generators?

Unlike standby generators, which function as a failsafe and turn on during power outages, prime power generators are designed to be a 24/7 source of power. These are most common in areas without access to the main power grid, or for jobs requiring constant, uninterrupted power for a long period.

Due to their continuous operation, prime power generators consume more fuel, and require frequent maintenance to remain efficient. Standby generators are more fuel-efficient because of their short-term operation during emergencies, such as in storms or electric failures, but still require regular testing and maintenance.

In short, prime generators can handle variable loads and run for extended periods without downtime, whereas standby generators are not designed for continuous, long-term use, but thrive for short-term use during power outages.

Diagram showing how a standby generator works

Can a Standby Generator Be Used as a Prime Generator?

No, you can’t use a standby generator as a prime generator. Attempting to use a standby generator as a prime power source can result in excessive wear, overheating, and eventual failure. Prime power generators, on the other hand, are designed for long-term, heavy-load applications, with robust engines and advanced cooling systems to handle continuous usage.

Do you have another question or require additional advice? Don’t hesitate to get in contact with our experts using this form or via phone at +441639849847.

Looking for a quality generator? At Generators Direct, we offer a range of generators, power stations and power banks for your specific needs. All of our products are manufactured, tested and certified to industry standards, and come with a price promise – you won’t find prices cheaper anywhere on the web, but if you do, we’ll match them. In addition to this, all orders come with free mainland UK shipping and after-sales support from our experts.